Fabricator​/Welder Apprentice - Level 3

Fabricator/Welder Apprentice - Level 3

Caterpillar Inc.

Location: Larne, Northern Ireland

Your Work Shapes the World n you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are makers, problem solvers, and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live.

Together, we build a better world we can all enjoy living in.

Career Area: Operations

Compensation Grade: 4A

As a Fabricator/Welder Apprentice at Caterpillar, Larne, you will undertake a Modern Apprenticeship Programme lasting between 3 and 5 years. You will gain practical experience and achieve academic qualifications. In this entry‑level position, you will have the opportunity to work with and contribute towards a cooperative manufacturing team and will develop your communication and interpersonal skills as well as use your initiative.

Many opportunities will be available for apprentices who are keen to progress to production and engineering‑oriented positions.

• Earn a competitive salary package, starting at £19,601.67 per year
• Receive 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Have access to a contributory share and pension scheme, flexible benefits, annual bonus, employee assistance scheme, free onsite parking and onsite canteen
• In collaboration with our partnered training provider, Northern Regional College in Newtownabbey, our apprentices attend college 2 days per week and can gain nationally recognised NVQ2/3 qualification(s) on completion with the opportunity to develop further to HNC/D or degree level.

• Learn to fabricate and weld components and sub-assemblies, read engineering drawings and be able to operate machinery, tools and equipment.
• Attend academic and training facilities when required and complete all assessments within agreed timescales.
• Complete all internal on‑ and off‑the‑job training to fulfil training matrices and the requirements of the role.
• Fulfil required competencies and complete apprentice logbook.
• Compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Compliance with 5S programme and other business improvement initiatives.
• Display behaviour and conduct fitting with our Values in Action.
• Train other employees if and when required.
• Any other appropriate duties.

• Should have a minimum of 4 GCSEs including Mathematics, English and Science or Engineering, Grade C or above or equivalent.
• Must be willing to undertake internal and external job and academic training to achieve required qualifications (e.g. NVQ 2 & 3 and technical certificates).
• Physical ability to fulfil the requirements of the job.

NOTE:

Equivalent academic qualifications to the above requirements welcome. You can apply with predicted grades. If you’re successful at the interview stage, the job offer will be conditional on you achieving the required grades before September 2026.

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you are very likely to be offered a position within our world‑class team with plenty of opportunity for long‑term progression. Depending on the needs of the business, you may also be offered the chance to complete additional qualifications. We are passionate about our people and their development, and our professionally accredited apprenticeship schemes stand as testament to that.

• Closing Date:
  February 22, 2026
• Assessment Centre (in‑person): 31 March – 1 April 2026
• Employment
  
  Start Date:
  
  August 31, 2026 (provisional)

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. If you have a question, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the recruiting team at .